Bonaire is one of the world's greatest snorkeling venues. The entire island is surrounded by a robust fringing reef that hosts the most diverse array of fish and coral found in the Caribbean.
Fifty miles off the coast of Venezuela, Bonaire’s lush band of fringing reef offers ideal conditions for novice and experienced snorkelers alike: calm, warm waters with excellent visibility, consistent sunshine, and unspoiled habitat. Bonaire’s marine sanctuary was established in 1979 and today protects a diverse coral reef from the high tide line to a depth of 200 feet. It is one of the world’s greatest snorkeling venues. While other islands have continued traditional spear-fishing, on Bonaire it has been illegal since 1972, and the fish know it. This island offers the snorkeler opportunities to see more species of fish, in greater numbers, more intimately, than any other Caribbean destination I know. There are more parrotfish in the waters surrounding Bonaire than we’ve ever seen (or heard!) anywhere else. After over twenty five years of visiting Bonaire, of learning its secrets, meeting its people and its fish it is our privilege to invite you to experience the great joys that this little island has to offer.

Exploring Bonaire, is indicative of our attitude and approach to this adventure. We’ve arranged some exciting elements that should allow our group to take best advantage of Bonaire’s natural, cultural, and culinary highlights. We will rent several large vans for our entire visit so that, as a group, we may independently explore some of Bonaire’s best shore snorkeling sites, many of which are off the beaten track. We hope to provide an opportunity to go night snorkeling when we may witness feeding octopus, lobsters, shrimp, and perhaps giant tarpons. At night, the coral animals (polyps), including Bonaire’s brilliant orange cup corals, extend their beautiful feeding tentacles. We also plan to include a snorkeling outing by van to Bonaire’s mangroves. While many Caribbean mangrove environments can be mucky, in this particular area tidal flow keeps the water relatively clear and the marine life healthy. In the mangroves, we may intimately view juvenile reef fish, barracuda, anemones, sponges, and the peculiar upside-down jellyfish. After our days activities, we will use these vans on several occasions, to “explore” some of the island’s best restaurants. We have selected some of our personal favorites, and convinced their management to let us bring 15 or so “friends” as well. Finally, in addition to excellent snorkeling, and fine dining, we have invited key individuals associated with Bonaire’s marine environment to share their knowledge, expertise, and perspective with our group.

While Sea for Yourself considers snorkeling the top priority, this program provides certified Scuba divers with excellent diving opportunities. The resort offers a complete complement of tanks, weights, rental gear, and divemaster services.

Itinerary:
Day 1.

Upon arrival in Bonaire, we transfer to Buddy’s Beach and Dive Resort, our home for the next seven nights. After a short program introduction we will enjoy dinner at the resort.

Day 2.

After breakfast at the resort, we will give you a detailed program orientation and overview of our week’s activities after the breakfast at the resort. This will be followed by instruction in the pool for anyone wishing to test their equipment or skills. After lunch on your own, we will have our introductory snorkel in the calm, clear waters just in front of the resort.

Day 3-7.

Most mornings and early afternoons are devoted to snorkeling protected shallow reefs and excursions to various regions of the island. We plan to visit Slagbaai National Park, the Arawak petroglyphs, the town of Rincon as well as Goto Meer Lake where we often view flamingos, brightly-colored parrots, and unique endemic lizards. Our tour of Bonaire’s southern end features colorful salt ponds and historic slave huts followed by a snorkel in the mangroves of Lac Bay. Evenings are spent enjoying slide-illustrated lectures, guest speakers, possible night snorkeling opportunities, and leisurely dinners both at our resort and at some of Bonaire’s finer restaurants.

M08317 is the only tour operator specialized in educational snorkeling programs. Snorkeling is a safe, easy, and enjoyable activity for participants of all ages and skill levels from young people to grandparents and is ideal for families.
While we have many programs ready-to-go, we can also design and organize...